THE ALEXANDRITE PRESENTS:
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ALEXANDRITE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Alexandrite engagement rings present an engagement ring shopping experience, unlike any other engagement ring style available on the market.
Alexandrite is a precious colored gemstone that exhibits a phenomenon called color change and is one of the rare stones from the chrysoberyl family. The color of the alexandrite changes depending on the light source it is exposed to, making it a remarkable stone for your engagement ring.
Alexandrite always has an exciting color to showcase when it absorbs the light, from soft plum violets to grays, purples to luscious emerald green shades. GIA describes Alexandrite as "emerald by day, ruby by night."
Experience Ultimate Luxury: Shopping for Exclusive Alexandrite Engagement Rings
An Alexandrite engagement ring is a perfect choice for ladies with discerning taste. It makes an impression of elegance and refined style. Alexandrite is a stand-out stone amongst all other precious and semi-precious stones because it is unique.
This mysterious, naturally beautiful gemstone is the perfect selection for those who love incredible decadence coupled with stunning vibrancy.
This article will serve as an easy-to-read guide for selecting a one-of-a-kind alexandrite engagement ring that reflects your personality.
History: Alexandrite Vintage Styles
Alexandrite was an important stone throughout the world prized by the Aristocracy and the Royals. According to GIA, Alexandrite was named after Tsar Alexandrite II, a future heir to the throne in Russia. Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in the rural mountains of Russia near emerald deposits.
These alexandrite specimens exhibited striking, sharp color changes ranging from green to red, reminiscent of imperial Russia's military colors. Alexandrite was set into royal crowns, becoming a prized gemstone and popular in elite society in Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The supply of Alexandrite is limited, making even the lower quality Alexandrites expensive. Choosing an alexandrite engagement ring is a gratifying experience.
Alexandrite: A Practical Engagement Ring Selection
Alexandrite rates 8.50 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it a suitable gemstone to wear frequently. This means that Alexandrite is durable enough to be enjoyed daily, perfect for an engagement ring stone.
Alexandrite is harder than emerald, which rates a 7.5-8, making it the perfect alternative for those who love the delicious green color of emerald. If you are seeking an emerald as an engagement ring, consider an alexandrite instead. It is a much harder stone that displays a luscious green shade and is many times rarer than an emerald.
A Guide for Choosing the One Special Engagement Ring
The Alexandrite only carries high-quality natural Alexandrite. Each stone is hand-selected, checked for quality, and placed in the best design possible to amplify the Alexandrite's natural beauty. Each Alexandrite is rare and unusual.
Finding Your Ring Size
Finding your ring finger size is one of the first things to do. Many stores have ring sizers/finger gauges. These consist of metal rings on a round metal part in different ring sizes. Each ring sizer will look like a metal band with a number stamped on it.
The most comfortable band will be your ring size. Leave enough room for movement of your finger, weight fluctuations, and comfort for the ring to be worn at all times. A wider band may need to be sized up. There should be enough room so the ring can be worn comfortably all day long.
What if you are not able to get to the store and use a finger gauge? You can figure out your ring size at home using these simple steps.
1. Select either a piece of paper or a string
2. Cutting a piece of paper that should be around a half-inch or a little less. It needs to be an accurate depiction of what your desired ring mm width size would be.
3. Wrap either the string or the paper around the base of your finger
4. Make a mark where the ends meet with a marker
5. Measure it in mm. Millimeter converts into the ring finger size.
Please note: Remember to leave enough room for your finger to move.
GIA CERTIFIED ALEXANDRITES:
Our engagement rings are accompanied by a GIA certification upon purchase. This ensures the authenticity of our stones and guarantees that they are natural Alexandrite.
What Metal is Best for My Alexandrite Engagement Ring?
The metal color choice depends on how the Alexandrite appears when it has its color change effect. Consider how the Alexandrite will look once it is placed in white or yellow metals.
YELLOW GOLD: The Alexandrite features many vintage designs in yellow gold. Yellow gold amplifies the color change when the stone turns plum to violet shades, giving off a warm, inviting hue.
Yellow gold is available in 10k, 14k, and 18k. These karats of gold determine the amount of gold mixed with alloy. All three are used for engagement rings. The higher the karat, such as 18k, the more expensive it is. Although gold is a soft metal, all three types are durable enough for frequent wear. Sometimes, although infrequently, higher than 18k is also available for some designs.
WHITE GOLD OR PLATINUM: This selection of metal is perfect for those who prefer cooler hues.
Like yellow gold, white gold is available in 10k, 14k, and 18k. These different types of gold are determined by the alloy combination with the gold.
Two-tone settings allow both colors to be offset by the white or yellow metal. Platinum and yellow pair well together, amplifying the color change of the stone.
Are alexandrite engagement rings more expensive?
Alexandrite comes in a range of prices depending on the quality of the Alexandrite. The sharper the color change, the more expensive the Alexandrite. Alexandrites that have a distinctive color change with fewer inclusions will be pricier than smaller stones.
Lab-created Alexandrite vs. natural Alexandrite: what is the difference?
Lab-created Alexandrite is engineered in a controlled environment and is the synthetic version of natural Alexandrite. The Alexandrite only carries natural stones, specializing in fine quality Alexandrites.
What settings look best with Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a versatile stone and can be placed in a variety of different settings. Prong settings are the most common, amplifying the stone's color change and beauty. Alexandrite engagement rings will have alexandrite side stones and diamonds as well. Alexandrite complements other gemstones because of its color change.
